It makes sense comparing Pioneer VSX-1131 vs Onkyo TX-8260 because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer VSX-1131 has 7.2 versus 2.0 for Onkyo TX-8260. Regarding power, then VSX-1131 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 170/6 when TX-8260 has a power of 80/8, 160/6. The THD is 0.08% for the VSX-1131 but 0.09% for the TX-8260.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for VSX-1131 and AK4452 384 KHz/32-bit for the TX-8260. Only the VSX-1131 supports Bi-amping feature. The Pioneer VSX-1131 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The VSX-1131 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and the TX-8260 can receive a content from TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.
Only the Pioneer VSX-1131 has support for High dynamic range (HDR). Only the VSX-1131 provides HDMI signal transmission in standby mode. The VSX-1131 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the TX-8260. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the VSX-1131. Only the VSX-1131 supports HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present in only the VSX-1131. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. The setup assistant will help you configure Pioneer VSX-1131.
Only the VSX-1131 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the VSX-1131.